If you're a car owner, it pays to stay on top of the general maintenance for your vehicle. One of the most major components of your cars system, is the transmission. Taking proper care of this system can protect against unexpected breakdowns or costly repairs down the road – but how does one know when something isn’t quite right? In this blog post, we will be discussing 5 warning signs that could indicate your transmission needs immediate attention from a professional mechanic. Keep reading to learn more about what you should watch out for!

1. Lack of power when accelerating-

Your engine may roar to life, but without a properly functioning transmission all that power will never reach your wheels. If you find yourself feeling like your car is stuck in the slow lane, it could be due to an internal problem with the transmission -- robbing you of acceleration and resulting in sluggishness or hesitance when trying to shift gears.

This symptom like many others that may occur with your vehicle, can also be caused from other issues like bad spark plugs or a clogged oil filter.

2. Jerky movements or slipping when shifting gears-

Slipping gears can be a frightening, yet dangerous experience while driving. You may find yourself skidding on the road as if you were on ice, with your engine revving even though it is not accelerating any faster. Other red flags that something could potentially wrong include strange noises and an unresponsive feeling when shifting between rows of gears. If this happens to you, never hesitate in seeking professional assistance from a mechanic before getting back onto the open roads!

3. Loud whining or humming noises

While this could be caused by multiple issues in the transmission area of your car, there are ways to determine which one it is exactly. To help identify what's causing the noise, try engaging reverse gear - if this causes more of a whine then there is likely some blockage in one of its fluid lines which will require professional attention.

Additionally when using automatic transmissions; whine during changing gears may point towards trouble with torque converter while noises experienced on neutral clutch suggest worn out input shaft or bearings must be inspected/replaced as soon as possible for optimal performance and safety outcomes.

4. Burning smells coming from the engine

It's not a pleasant experience for any driver - being able to smell something burning coming from your vehicle. In this case, it could be transmission fluid that has been overheating due to a number of causes, such as old or insufficient lubrication in the engine. This can result in long-term damage including corrosion and grime accumulation within the transmission of your car if not handled properly. It is important to remember though, an automatic transmissions' fluid should ideally always remain bright red, if it has turned a brown color it means the fluid overheated. This can lead to major damages to your car's transmission. It is advised you seek a full auto diagnosis from a transmission repair expert should you notice these issues.

5. Leaking fluid under the car

Transmission fluid leaking is an indication that your transmission may need to be serviced. Transmission fluid lubricates and cools the components of the transmission, so low levels can cause a decrease in performance, potentially leading to costly repairs or even a need for replacement. It's important to take action quickly if you notice a leak; without regular service, Transmission components can suffer from wear and tear much more rapidly.

Scheduling a transmission service with certified professionals can get you back on the road in no time and help prevent major disruptions down the road.

Visit Our Local Auto Repair Shop in San Juan Capistrano

If your car is experiencing any of the issues listed prior, then you should strongly consider bringing it into our shop to take a closer look. We will run a FREE preliminary inspection, including a drivability road test and connect your vehicle to our computer scanner.

Summarizing, transmission problems should never be ignored. The earlier you can address the symptoms discussed in this blog post, the easier it will be for your mechanic to intuit and diagnose the issues. Whether from fluid leaks or wet patches on the ground beneath your car, to shifting issues, irregularities in increasing speed and much more – these five warning signs of a potentially failing transmission should not taken lightly. 

To ensure that your initial diagnosis is as accurate as possible, we highly recommend having a professional technician take a look under the hood before further damage occurs. Remember, catch potential transmission problems early and book your preliminary transmission diagnosis today!